Tag Archives: Scooter

Lucas Films and Yamaha Create Star Wars-Themed Rides for Brazil

As an avid motorcyclist, I’m not typically one to hop aboard a 15 hp, 150cc scooter with a look of excited anticipation…but as an avid Star Wars nerd, I have promised to zip it and save my opinions on the dark side after I try one of these buggers out in person. 

Yamaha has partnered with Lucas Films to create two seriously stylish Star Wars-themed scooters, currently only available in Brazil. 

a side profile of a Star Wars themed scooter, available in Brazil by Yamaha and Lucas Films

According to a report from Yahoo, the scooters are available in two editions – Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance.

a side profile of a Star Wars themed scooter, available in Brazil by Yamaha and Lucas Films

While Yamaha makes no promises as to the futuristic potential of these themed motors, the NMAX 160 ABS does sport the typical headlight-mounted front apron with LED headlight, raised windscreen, high-set handlebars, single-piece seat with pillion grab rail, and a digital instrument console – with everything stacked on blacked-out designer wheels. 

a side profile of the two Star Wars themes scooters available in Brazil by Yamaha and Lucas Films

With only 680 units being released, it might be a good idea to check availability for some serious scoots about the solar system.

A bit of advice for Yamaha – next time, we need a stormtrooper theme. It’s the only way to be guaranteed not to hit anything.

May the force be with the Yamaha Motor Company.

Make sure to comment your thoughts below, and for more box office-themed moto-news, check out this article on Tom Cruise’s Death-Defying Motorcycle Stunt.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Recall: Suzuki scooter speedo issue

Suzuki Australia is recalling UH200 scooters over an issue with rusty speedos that could cost the rider a hefty speeding fine.

The official notice, issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, says 60 scooters  from 2018 and 2019 are affected. The full list of vehicle identification numbers (VIND) are included at the end of this article.

“The speed sensor power supply circuit may experience corrosion,” the ACCC notice says. 

“The corrosion may cause the speed sensor to lose power supply and could result in the speedometer and odometer not working correctly.

“If the speedometer is not working correctly, it may not show the correct speed. The rider will be unable to correctly determine the operating speed of the scooter. 

“This may increase the risk of an accident, causing injury or death to the rider, passenger or other road users.”

It could also mean the rider could cop a speeding fine!

Owners will be contacted by Suzuki Australia in writing to take their scooter to their nearest authorised Suzuki dealer service department to arrange a free repair.

So far this year there have been 24 recalls. This is the second recall for Suzuki after the GSX250F was recalled over a headlight bulb issue.

YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS ON RECALLS

a model trying out an airbag jacket

Even though manufacturers and importers usually contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.

Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle and scooter recalls as a service to all riders.

If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.

To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:

VINs of affected scooters

MLCC9131300300305 MLCC9131300300335
MLCC9131300300306 MLCC9131300300336
MLCC9131300300307 MLCC9131300300337
MLCC9131300300308 MLCC9131300300338
MLCC9131300300309 MLCC9131300300339
MLCC9131300300310 MLCC9131300300340
MLCC9131300300311 MLCC9131300300341
MLCC9131300300312 MLCC9131300300342
MLCC9131300300313 MLCC9131300300343
MLCC9131300300314 MLCC9131300300344
MLCC9131300300315 MLCC9131300300345
MLCC9131300300316 MLCC9131300300346
MLCC9131300300317 MLCC9131300300347
MLCC9131300300318 MLCC9131300300348
MLCC9131300300319 MLCC9131300300349
MLCC9131300300320 MLCC9131300300350
MLCC9131300300321 MLCC9131300300351
MLCC9131300300322 MLCC9131300300353
MLCC9131300300323 MLCC9131300300354
MLCC9131300300324 MLCC9131300300355
MLCC9131300300325 MLCC9131300300356
MLCC9131300300326 MLCC9131300300357
MLCC9131300300327 MLCC9131300300358
MLCC9131300300328 MLCC9131300300359
MLCC9131300300329 MLCC9131300300360
MLCC9131300300330 MLCC9131300300361
MLCC9131300300331 MLCC9131300300362
MLCC9131300300332 MLCC9131300300363
MLCC9131300300333 MLCC9131300300364
MLCC9131300300334 MLCC9131300300352

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

1947 Salsbury Model 85 Scooter: Drool-Worthy Dreamboat Could Be Yours

Ageless aerodynamics. 

Absolute cupboard of a caboose. 

The putter of perfection. 

All this and more could be yours for a minimum bid of $8,000. 

Am I kidding? Nope. Say hello to the Jetson family, folks.

BringATrailer has 3 days left on a bid for a vintage firetruck-red 1947 Model 85 scooter, and I’m digging the dynamics. What other scooter can brag gas/brake pedals, a spring-cushioned solo seat, and 1.5 cubic feet of storage capacity?

According to a report from RideApart, Salisbury started up with their scooter line in the 1930s, when post-Depression Americans were looking for a cheap commute. Amelia Earheart, female pilot, and icon of the times, was said to have served as an inspiration for Salsbury’s spiffy style.

And that’s not all. Style came with speed, even back then. The scooter’s top velocity is due to the 320cc fan-cooled, 6 hp side-valve motor and maxes out at a hair-raising 50 mph – pray you don’t hit the speed bumps the wrong way. 

black and white photo of a Salsbury Model 85, 1947

worker holding up examples of patented solid-state batteries

The Model 85 was acquired by its current owner in 1996 and has since been refurbished with chrome detailing, paint touch-ups, and a fine-tuned CVT – in this case, ‘CVT’ standing for ‘Constant Velocity Transmission,’ not ‘Continuously Variable Transmission,’ as is true for most modern CVTS with a hand throttle. 

Additional perk: only 1000 units of this model were made, with precious few remaining in such good shape. They sold for $800 back then, so the full accounting for inflation tips the scales at a neat $9500.  

It’s a bargain, and you know you want it – if only to putter about town and make your neighbors jelly.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Husqvarna showcase new EV scooter

Husqvarna EV E-Mobility range expands

Only days after confirming that their Pilen platform will see an electric variant added to their line-up, Husqvarna have overnight confirmed their first entry into the scooter market, via their new Vektorr Concept.

Vektorr Concept

The Vektorr Concept is the first electric scooter ever produced by Husqvarna Motorcycles and is aimed squarely at the urban commuter.

Vektorr Concept

Styled and ridden like a conventional scooter, the Vektorr Concept promises a modest top speed of 45 km/h and offer a range of up to 95 km.

Vektorr Concept

The Bltz Concept will also be on display at the exhibition. It makes short urban travel easy with a stand-up scooter that can be folded up and carried, for example indoors or onto public transport. The rider stands on the Bltz Concept.

Bltz Concept

Source: MCNews.com.au

Vespa cracks 19 million unit milestone in 75th year

75 years young and never more popular

Vespa celebrates 75 years and reaches the extraordinary milestone of 19 million units produced, beginning from the spring of 1946. The Vespa that celebrates the 19 million is a GTS 300 in 75th Anniversary Special Edition and was assembled in the Pontedera plant, where Vespa has been manufactured uninterrupted since 1946.

1945 Vespa MP6 Prototype

Halfway through the first decade of the new millennia, annual Vespa production was around 50 thousand units and, since then, constant and spectacular growth took it an excess of 100 thousand in 2007 and 200 thousand from 2018.

Vespsa is today manufactured out of three production sites: Pontedera, with production destined for Europe, the Americas and all the western markets; Vinh Phuc, in Vietnam, which serves the local market along with Australia, and India hosts the ultra-modern Baramati plant, opened in April 2012, where Vespas for the Indian and Nepalese markets are produced.

Vespa’s Pontedera plant, in Tuscany – 1950s

For its 75th birthday, Vespa introduces a special Vespa 75th series, available for Vespa Primavera (in the 50, 125 and 150 cc engine sizes) and for Vespa GTS (in the 125 and 300 cc engine sizes), limitedly to 2021.

75th Anniversary Vespa GTS 300

The body of Vespa 75th takes on the brand new metallic Giallo 75th colour which, designed expressly for this series, reinterprets colours in a modern key that were all the rage in the forties. The number 75 appears on the side panels and front mudguard in a more accentuated shade, creating an elegant tone-on-tone, as well on the front, where the traditional “necktie” is refined in a matte yellow pyrite colour.

75th Anniversary Vespa Primavera 150

Vespa was born out of the desire to create an innovative product for individual mobility. First a “motor scooter” was built on the model of small motorcycles for parachutists and then a prototype that revolutionised the concept that had dominated the classic motorcycling layout until then. A vehicle was created with a stress-bearing body, direct-drive, with the gear shift on the handlebar. The classic front fork disappeared in favour of a single-sided swingarm that made tyre changes easier and, above all, the frame disappeared, replaced by a stress-bearing body capable of protecting the rider from dirt and rumpled clothing. The Vespa design patent filing date is 23 April 1946.

1945 Vespa MP6 Prototype

After the years of rebirth, Vespa continued to strengthen through the generational renewal of the sixties. As cars and mass motorisation spread, Vespa offered salvation from traffic, with the versions in the smaller engine sizes catering to the growing youth market. Then, in the ‘70s, the signs of a growing ecological awareness and the first petrol crisis arrived, Vespa was the antidote to city pollution, able to zip through traffic and easily find parking.

Still built entirely out of steel to this day, Vespa has also carved out a modern legend and successfully blends heritage with modern technology in a way that no others has managed and continue to produce the world’s most evocative scooters.


Brief Vespa Timeline

Vespa’s Pontedera plant, in Tuscany

On 23 April 1946, Piaggio (founded in 1884) files the patent for “a motorcycle featuring a rational elemental and organic complex combined with frame and fenders and an engine hood covering all mechanical parts”. The Vespa is born. The motorised scooter with a 98 cc, 2T single-cylinder engine is built in the Pontedera plant, in Tuscany.

1946 Vespa 98

1948 – The Vespa 125 cc model is introduced.

Vespa 125, 1949 – The first 125cc Vespa came in 1948. It differed from the 98 not only in terms of its engine capacity, but also for the introduction of rear suspension; the front suspension was also modified

1949 – The Unione Italiana Vespa Riders, incorporating 30 clubs, is formed and holds its first convention.

1950 – Vespa begins production in German under a licence agreement with Hoffman-Werke.

1951 – Vespa begins production in the United Kingdom under license to Douglas of Bristol and in France with ACMA of Paris.

1952 – The Vespa Club Europea is born in Milan to bring the clubs in Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Holland and Belgium together. Worldwide Vespa Club membership surpasses 50,000. There are more than 10,000 Vespa service stations around the world.

Vespa 125 “U”, 1953 – Characterised by its austere aesthetic, this was the “utility” version, sold for 20,000 lira less than the more modern 125. The headlamp appeared high up on the handlebar for the first time in Italy (it had already been introduced on a number of exported models).

1953 – Vespa 125 is immortalised in the film Roman Holiday by William Wyler with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn.

Vespa 125 Roman Holiday

1955 – Vespa GS marks a turning point for Vespa which, for the first time, exceeds the 100 km/h mark, adopts a 4-speed gearbox for the first time and mounts 10 inch wheel rims.

1955 Vespa GS150 – efined by experts as “the most highly-appreciated, imitated and best remembered model”. There were numerous innovations: the 150cc engine, 4-speed gearbox, standard long saddle, handlebar-headlamp unit with “fairing”, and wheels with 10” tyres. This Vespa could reach 100 km/h. The design also changed, with a much more aerodynamic body.
1962 – Created to continue the commercial success of the first GS, it boasted a completely new design.
The exhaust silencer, carburettor and suspension were also new. The power output was 8.2 HP at 6500 rpm.

1964 – The Vespino is born – Vespa in the 50 cc engine capacity.

Vespa 50 – The first Vespa 50cc, created to exploit the new Italian Highway Code which made a number plate obligatory on larger engines. Extremely versatile and reliable, the engine featured a new layout, with the cylinder inclined 45° instead of horizontal. It was also the last design to leave Corradino D’Ascanio’s drawing board

1965 – Vespa sales surpass 3.5 million.

Vespa 180 SS, 1965 – Representing a new standard in terms of engine capacity growth (181.14cc), it could reach 105 km/h thanks to its 10 HP. The 180 SS (Super Sport) replaced the glorious GS 150/160cc. Piaggio modified the front cowling, making it more aerodynamic and significantly improving comfort, handling and road holding.

1968 – The “Chi Vespa mangia le mele” campaign (Those who Vespa eat the apples) revolutionises the advertising world.

1968 Vespa Primavera – Together with the subsequent PX, this was the most enduring of the Vespa models. It derived from the “new” 125, but with considerable differences in the engine, which raised the top speed by 10 km/h. There was great attention to detail, finishes including the classic and very practical bag hook.

1968 – Vespa Primavera is one of the longest-lasting Vespa models and the vehicle of new generations all over Europe.

1968 Vespa 180 Rally – The engine was new, the front headlamp new and more powerful, the frame, derived from the Vespa 150 Sprint, narrower and more aerodynamic than that of the Super Sport.

1976 – Vespa Primavera 125 – ET3 is the first scooter with electronic ignition.

Vespa 125 Primavera ET3, 1976 – The acronym stood for“3 port electronics”, and marked an important change to the engine, more powerful and peppy. Even the styling was changed from the standard Primavera (which remained in the range)

1978 – Vespa PX is born in the three-cylinder “classic” 125, 150 and 200 cc versions. It would be the most sold model in Vespa history with more than 30 million units.

1978 – The “PX” represented another step forward in terms of aesthetics (the chassis was completely redesigned ) and performance. The top box was positioned behind the cowling. That same year, the P 200 E was also presented. With respect to the 125 version, this model could be equipped with separate lubrication and direction indicators incorporated in the body.

1980 – Four Vespa PX units participate in the Paris-Dakar, the most epic and gruelling race in the world. Incredibly, ridden by Marc Simonot, one of them would go on to finish the race.

Vespa at Dakar

1984 – Vespa PK 125 Automatica is the first Vespa with an automatic transmission.

Vespa PK 125 Automatica, 1984 – Automatic gearing was introduced by Vespa, perhaps the most radical change since 1946 (at least from the user’s standpoint). The presence of the automatic transmission was emphasised by the absence of the foot brake, replaced by the lever on the left handlebar (which does not need to control the clutch, as it is automatic). It was also available with automatic oil-petrol mixer and electric ignition. The following year the Vespa PK 50 Automatic was launched.

1988 – Vespa sales surpass 10 million.

1992 – Giorgio Bettinelli, writer and journalist, leaves Rome on a Vespa and reaches Saigon in March 1993. He would go on to accomplish several other feats: in 1994-95, also on a Vespa, he covered the 36,000 km from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. In 1995-96 he travelled from Melbourne to Cape Town – over 52,000 km in 12 months. In 1997 he started out from Chile, reaching Tasmania after three years and eight months, having travelled 144,000 km on his Vespa and crossed 90 countries across the Americas, Siberia, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania. All in all, Bettinelli has travelled 250,000 km on a Vespa.

1996 – The new Vespa generation is born with the ET4 125 cc model. For the first time, Vespa adopts a 4T engine and automatic transmission.

1996 Vespa ET4 125

1996 – The number of Vespas sold surpasses 15 million.

1997 – Vespa ET2 (50 cc) is launched.

1998 – Restyling and front disc brake for Vespa PX, the most sold scooter model in the world (over two million units from the time it was launched).

2000 Vespa ET2 50

2000 – Vespa returns to the American market.

Vespa
Granturismo 200L and 125L, 2003 – The Granturismo was the largest and most powerful Vespa produced up until that time. In its 200L and 125L versions, it marries Vespa’s emotional values with state-of-the-art technology: this was the first-ever Vespa to have sparkling four-stroke, four-valve, liquid-cooled engines that meet the new Euro 2 emissions standards, as well as 12-inch wheels and a two-disk brake system. The steel body is a uniquely Vespa touch.

2003 – The return of the Vespone, Vespa GT 125 and Vespa GT 200 are born.

2005 – Vespa LX marks the return to Vespa’s most classic lines.

Vespa LX, 2005 – It’s the return of the “Vespino” (“little Vespa”), the small body model which had been alongside the “Vespone” (“big Vespa”) for more than 50 years.
Vespa GTS 250 i.e., 2005 – Fifty years after the launch of the Vespa GS (Gran Sport), the first sport scooter in history and still a sought after treasure for collectors and fans, Vespa GTS 250 i.e. renews the GS blend of speed and style to become the fastest, most powerful and most high-tech Vespa.

2006 – Vespa celebrates 60 years with the spectacular Vespa 60° special series that brings back the colours and style of the early Vespas.

Vespa GT 60°, 250cc, 2006 – This is the gift that Vespa was determined to give its fans to celebrate the company’s sixtieth anniversary. With its prestigious materials and exclusive finish, this unique limited edition is made in a series of only 999 units, and is destined to become one of the milestones in Vespa’s long history.

2008 – Vespa 300 GTS Super is the highest performance and sportiest model in history.

Vespa GTS 300 Super, 2008 – Vespa GTS 300 Super brought exclusive Vespa elegance to the “over 250” class. The classic, unique Vespa style is combined with a distinctly sporty and modern personality.

2011 – Vespa 946 is highly exclusive model dedicated to aesthetic and technological perfection, the name of which recalls the year that the scooter symbolic of Italian elegance was born – 1946.

Vespa 946

2013 – The legendary Vespa Primavera returns, produced in the 50, 125 and 150 engine sizes, it renews the legendary Vespino.

2013 Vespa Primavera 125
2014 Vespa Sprint 125
2016 Vespa 946 (Red)
2017 Vespa Sei Giorni

2018 – Vespa Elettrica is born, a modern work of art with a technological heart, destined to change the mobility segment. Completely silent and easy to ride, and produced entirely in Pontedera, it represents the revolutionary and contemporary soul of Vespa.

Vespa Elettrica

2021 – Vespa reaches 19 million units produced and celebrates 75 years with the Vespa 75th special series.

75th Anniversary Vespa GTS 300

Source: MCNews.com.au

Australia secures limited-edition Vespa

Australian importers have secured about 200 limited-edition Vespa scooters specially designed to celebrate the venerable Italian brand’s 75th anniversary.

The 75th anniversary Primavera 150 and GTS 300 models feature unique styling, special 75th anniversary decals, nubuck leather saddle edged in grey and chrome-plated luggage rack for a specially designed bag.

PS Imports Group Marketing Manager Dale McBride says “supply shouldn’t be too restricted with around 100 of each model.

The GTS and Primavera 75th models are due around late June/ July with pricing announced closer to arrival.

I’ve ridden many scooters and I have to say the best handling and among the best finished are the steel-body Vespas with their unique front suspension.

These two 75th models in retro “Giallo Pirite” metallic yellow should be very special, indeed.

One distinctive feature of the Vespa 75th is the chrome-plated rack and complimentary round bag whose shape replicates the typical spare wheel holder. 

Made from velvety-soft nubuck leather in the same colour as the saddle, the bag has a shoulder strap and clips on the luggage rack with a quick-release mechanism. It comes with a waterproof cover.

Like all Vespa special editions, the series is identified with a plate behind the leg shield.

CFMoto 700CL-X

All 75th models come with a 4.3″ TFT colour display and Vespa MIA smartphone connectivity system.

Each Vespa 75th also comes with a Welcome Kit, a vintage steel Vespa plate, a personal Owner’s Book and eight collector postcards with images from the eight decades of the Vespa story.

THE VESPA LEGEND
Vespa’s paint company, Piaggio, filed its first scooter patent on 23 April 1946, beginning 75 years of iconic urban riding.

Piaggio has now made nearly 19 million vehicles with the growth rate not slowing down.

Vespa produced 58,000 scooters in 2004, more than 100,000 in 2006, 180,000 in 2017 and 200,000 units in 2018.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Piaggio Beverly Scooters Get Euro 5 and Visual Updates

End of the 350

Piaggio’s Beverly line up of scooters gets some styling updates to go along with the Euro 5 updates for the 2021 model year.

The Beverly 300 and 400 (previously 350) will be seeing a pleasant facelift with the addition of more aggressive styling for both standard and S versions. The S version will also include a windscreen and a few more accessories to make it look “sportier”.

The biggest difference between this and last year will be Piaggio’s decision to drop the 350cc model altogether and opt for a 400cc variant to top the list instead. Who’s to say if the loss in power from the Euro 5 updates lead to this bump in displacement, but it still makes more sense for the lineup to contain a 300 and 400 instead of a 300 and 350 anyways.

Both 300 and 400 will come with a 5.5″ fully digitalized dash (with Bluetooth connectivity), LED lighting all around, and a keyless ignition system to keep this commuter ready for quick trips around town. Both scooters will also get Showa suspension with the inclusion of 35mm non-adjustable front fork and twin shocks in the rear (with adjustable preload).

Currently, we have no information regarding pricing for these models as well as dates for USA availability. We do know that these are 2021 models, so of course, you will be seeing them at some point in early 2021.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

2020 Honda ADV150 Review | Scooter Tests

2020 Honda ADV150 Review

Motorcycle Test by Wayne Vickers – Images Rob Mott


I had another scooter in the shed recently. Totally different proposition to the big Tmax I had a couple of months back which you can read more about here. This lwas Honda’s ADV150 and it wasn’t a bad little jigger. Honda are dubbing it an ‘adventure scooter’ which is probably having a bit of a laugh in comparison to genuine adventure bikes, but it’s certainly a little bit different and worth a look.

Honda ADV150

What are we looking at? Well, 150cc fuel injected single cylinder, auto gearbox, ABS both ends and even Showa shocks. It tips the scales at 133 kilos and will set you back around 6 grand.

My impression didn’t necessarily start off that well, it has a not-very-intuitive at first key fob and startup system. The key fob (it has no key as such so you can just keep it in your pocket) has three buttons with icons and no text and a start-up process that involves a push-and-turn dial on the bike as well as having to have the side stand upright and brakes on to start it. It took three blokes about five-minutes to get it started for the first time. The alarm had to be turned off and the dial turned to the right position before it would jump to life. A simple key would have certainly been quicker… but once you figure it out and get used to it, it’s ok. The fob comes with a button to make the bike beep if you’ve lost it in a car-park (although I didn’t test the range on that…), an alarm on and off button. I honestly left them all alone and just got on and rode.

Wayne found the Honda ADV150 annoying with many needless steps required before you get on the move

On the road it’s quite refined. The auto clutch take-up is seamless, the engine is smooth and quiet while the ABS stoppers both ends feel up to the task. Mechanically its Honda through and through and feels bulletproof and well sorted.

It has quite a nice, nimble lightness to it that I think a lot of folks would find appealing. In traffic it’s able to hold its own against most cars from the front of the lights. Pumping out 14 horsepower and about the same number of Newton Metres of torque, it’s no rocket ship and doesn’t scream away from the lights. But for a nimble low-capacity scooter it goes ok in traffic.

2020 Honda ADV150

Around town and on shorter jaunts it’s in its element – and certainly the slightly bigger than average sized wheels (for a scooter), help navigate rougher urban roads, potholes and tram tracks etc. But I wouldn’t want to spend extended hours touring on one out in the countryside. In fact, after the first 40 kilometres of mind numbingly boring highway work on the way home from picking it up I was already feeling it in my lower back and hips. I got used to it with some more time aboard, but it’s worth noting that the seat is quite firm and there’s not a lot of soaking up of serious bumps going on for longer trips.

So I’m not sure what sort of ‘Adventure’s’ Honda has in mind. While yes, it will handle good quality gravel roads (just like any other bike), I wouldn’t suggest you to have any plans to tackle anything gnarlier than that on it. I wouldn’t like to ride it through loose gravel.. (I did see a youtube video of someone trying it. And they tucked the front at the first sign of soft gravel and dropped it… so…), and I don’t think the undertray would like you for it either. On the flip side – It does have slightly taller ride height than some of its competitors, so it’s probably less likely to scrape on gutters. Maybe ‘Urban Adventurer’ might be more apt?

Honda ADV150

An 8 litre fuel tank is going to force you to stop fairly regularly on any longer trips too. I was averaging around 3.5L per hundred kays overall, but was seeing 4.5 – 5L/100ks on the dash while holding it pinned at 110 down the freeway (tucked in behind the adjustable two position front screen), so don’t expect to be getting any more than 200 kilometres per tank. I’d suggest it’d get better mileage than that on full time urban work. Especially with the auto stop-start enabled via the simple switch on the rhs switchgear which worked just as expected. Sit still for a few seconds. It shuts down, twist the throttle and it starts back up again. Nice.

I did note one interesting thing however in that if you turn the engine off fully with the dial while having it on auto stop, then you need to give it a little rev to get it started.. It wont just start by pressing the button. Had me scratching my head again for a bit.

2020 Honda ADV150

When it comes time to park, the centre-stand is a doddle to use as it’s such a lightweight bike for even the most physically challenged amongst us. Super easy to put on and off the stand.

The dash is a bit unusual. It has a display that shows you the day and month and it also shows you ambient temp. But doesnt show you the engine temp, which I’m starting to see more of on the latest motorcycles and can’t say I like it. And where I was expecting a tacho that space is instead replaced with an ‘insta fuel consumption’ readout. I did pay attention to it every now and again initially for curiosity’s sake, but I’m not sure I’d look at it much after the first couple of weeks if it was mine. I think most folks understand that when you twist the throttle harder it uses more fuel… 🙂

Honda ADV150 instrumentation

Styling wise it seems nicely executed if a little busy but I don’t mind it. Lots of individual surface details and they’re all quite nicely finished with good quality materials. Plenty to look at while you’re sipping your latte. I did seem to have to keep wiping the bike down in that colour scheme, the footrest areas in particular just kept showing up dirt and scuffs.

Honda ADV150 underseat storage

And although there’s plenty of useful storage space including a charger equipped 2 Litre pod in the dash, note that the underseat storage didn’t fit either of the two full face helmets I tried which I thought was disappointing. We tried every which way to make it fit, but it was about an inch short of closing. Probably would have got it to shut if I forced it, but I’m not going to do that to a helmet… I’d expect it’s made for open faced helmets even though the blurb says full face… So you’d want to check it before buying a lid.

Fairing pocket too

To top it off – that great price tag for Honda build quality and confidence. And for that, you can ignore some quirks in the dash etc. I actually think it’s a pretty solid offering. Plenty to like, especially for those wanting something a little different to the Vespa look.

Honda ADV150

Why I like it:

  • Light, nimble, get on and go once you get used to the fob
  • Honda build quality – good smooth engine, no shortfalls mechanically
  • That price!

I’d like it more if:

  • The underseat storage actually fitted my full faced lids
  • The adjustable screen had some more height to it
  • The seat could be a little softer for soaking up our rubbish roads
2020 Honda ADV150 suspension and seat could be improved

Honda ADV150 Specifications

Specifications 
Engine 149 cc, liquid-cooled, 2-valve, 4-stroke
Bore x Stroke 57.3 x 57.9 mm
Maximum Power 14.34hp @ 8,500rpm.
Maximum Torque 13.8Nm @ 6,500rpm.
Compression Ratio 10.6:1
Starter Electric
Induction EFI
Transmission CVT
Drive Belt
L x W x H 1950 x 763 x 1153 mm
Tyres 100/80-14 (F), 130/70-13 (R)
Brakes 240 mm disc (F), disc (R) – ABS
Seat height 795 mm
Front suspension Showa telescopic forks, 116 mm travel
Rear suspension Showa piggyback twin shocks, 102 mm travel
Fuel capacity 8 litres
Kerb weight 133 kg
Warranty 24 months
RRP $5790 +ORC
2020 Honda ADV150

Source: MCNews.com.au

Kymco Has a New Adventure Scooter – The DT X360

“Do a 360!”

Taiwanese scooter manufacturer, Kymco, just introduced a ton of newly updated scooters to the market along with their first adventure scooter: the DT X360.

At first glance, – I’m just going to put this out there – it comes nowhere near close to being as cool as the new Honda X-ADV (Seriously, Honda, hook me up over here). I wouldn’t particularly call this maxiscooter an “Adventure Scooter”, but there sure is some offroad potential with the vehicle.

The most notable ‘offroad’ features found on this scooter would be the adventure beak and the semi-knobbed tires.

The scooter features a 321cc thumper producing 28.2 ponies and 22 lb-ft of torque, has a seat height of 31.5 inches, LED lighting all around, a mega-sized storage compartment (as most scooters do, but this one, in particular, can hold two full-size helmets with room to spare), keyless ignition and a sizable LED full-color display with USB ports ready at the sides.

Although this isn’t an off-roading beast, this will be a great option for riders living in countries with fewer paved roads and lots of dirt pathways. It would be great to see Kymco add a few more features to make it more off-road friendly; perhaps a slightly upgraded suspension to provide riders with some slightly extra clearance (in the photos it looks as though it’s about standard scooter height).

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Currently, we have no information regarding pricing or official release date for this ADV scoot.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Two Scooters Make Their Way To Honda’s 2021 Lineup

Honda has some new scooter options coming to their 2021 lineup – one being a brand new model and the other a preexisting scooter with tons of new updates for the 2021 year.

The ‘new’ model is the SH350i; a higher displacement replacement for the SH300i that is no longer in production. The entire selling point of this new scooter is the 350cc eSP+ engine found within the unit. eSP is a system Honda has developed to give owners a quieter, smoother ride. Honda has really gone out of the way to eliminate any audible discomforts with this scooter; even the start-up noise is close to silent. The eSP technology reduces noise and friction from many of the internal components and improves the overall efficiency of the engine.

Beyond the engine, the SH350i gets an updated look, USB port, Smart key, and LCD display that will be found standard on the majority of their 2021 motorcycle lineup.

The other scooter in question is the legendary PCX 125; one of the world’s most popular options found on the global marketplace. The engine of the new 2021 PCX 125 gets the eSP+ treatment as well. Taking a step back from the mechanical components of this award-winning scooter, we find a redesigned frame for weight-reduction (which allowed for more storage space under the seat. 30.4 liters to be exact), updated LED headlight assembly, and the same USB port found on the SH350i.

Scooters aren’t a huge market in North America due to a large number of highways and long-distance travel, so don’t get your hopes up on either of these models making it over the ocean for our American readers to scoop.

Currently, we have no pricing or release date scheduled for either scooter.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com